Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Factors in The Other Wes Moore

Oprah Winfrey's Journey to Success

What many people don’t know is that Oprah Winfrey came from nothing, born in rural poverty and raised by a mother dependent on government welfare payments in a poor urban neighborhood, yet she rose to become highly successful, achieving millionaire status at the age of 32. Winfrey serves as an example that being surrounded by a negative environment, bad influences, poor parenting, and poverty does not determine an individual's success. In his book The Other Wes Moore, author Wes Moore discusses his life story and struggles and how he overcame them to become the person he is today. He also provides a perspective on someone who lived a similar life but experienced a different outcome, who was also named Wes Moore.

Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Factors in The Other Wes Moore

Due to this fact, the author primarily illustrates that intrinsic factors have a greater effect on a person’s individual success, specifically focusing on one’s mindset and decisions. Although extrinsic factors can somewhat affect success, intrinsic factors are more powerful overall. One of the biggest reasons why Moore emphasizes intrinsic factors is because a person can make their own decisions, such as neglecting their education or engaging in dangerous and negative activities.

In chapter 4, Moore reflects on a conversation with his mother about his education and effort towards his grades: "What she didn’t know was that my problem in school was much more basic than a learning disability. The problem was that I wasn't even showing up half of the time. It’s tough to do well in school as even an 11-year-old boy when you’re picking what days to choose and go" (Moore, 2011, p. 76). This text supports the idea that intrinsic factors play a role, as a person can choose not to make an effort in their education, leading to a negative impact on future success.

In addition, Moore illustrates how intrinsic factors significantly affect one's success by depicting how individuals can choose to partake in dangerous and negative activities. In chapter 7, Wes gets caught for suspicious behavior by a police officer while selling drugs: "He quickly scanned his surroundings, checking to see if anyone had seen his drop. When he felt sure that he’d been undetected, he moved toward the potential buyer. It was a risk, and Wes knew it, but taking risks is at the heart of the drug enterprise and scared money didn’t make money" (Moore, 2011, p. 133). This passage portrays Wes as a risk-taker, as he knowingly engages in dangerous activities to earn money, highlighting intrinsic factors.

Another reason Moore highlights intrinsic factors is due to an individual's mindset, making negative or positive actions that lead to a poor outcome for future success. In chapter 5, Wes learns he will become a father at an early age due to his lack of interest in using birth control: "He didn’t feel burdened by the thought that early parenthood would wreck his future plans because he didn’t really have any future plans and wasn’t overly stressed about the responsibilities of fatherhood" (Moore, 2011, p. 100). Wes's disregard for birth control exemplifies an intrinsic factor, as his choice led to early parenthood, significantly impacting his life.

Furthermore, the author demonstrates intrinsic factors by showing positive decision-making. In chapter 7, Moore talks about turning his life around and allowing military school to influence his character: "My next decision was clear. I wanted to stay at Valley Forge and attend its junior college, which would allow me to go through the early commissioning process, receive my associate degree, and become a second lieutenant in the army. I wanted to be a soldier" (Moore, 2011, p. 133). Clearly, Moore illustrates that despite growing up surrounded by negativity, individuals can change their ways through positive actions and decisions, leading to success.

On the other hand, some may argue that extrinsic factors have a greater impact on individual success than intrinsic factors. In chapter 6, an update on the other Wes Moore's life reveals the challenges he faces after being released from juvenile detention for shooting Ray: "Not surprisingly, without a high school diploma or job training, and with a criminal record, Wes found it impossible to find a job to support his growing family" (Moore, 2011, p. 110). This quote shows how Wes struggles due to his background and experiences. However, those opposing intrinsic factors overlook that Wes chose to physically harm someone, knowing it would have repercussions, and his choices hindered his job prospects.

Moreover, others may argue that being surrounded by negative influences, such as friends and neighborhood environments, plays a significant role in determining success. In chapter 4, Moore notes: "He looked at me with a sly smirk, 'You wanna tag?' I couldn’t say no. First off, Shea was one of the most respected young hustlers in the neighborhood. He was a worker, and we all knew that—while some kids were smart enough to be disgusted by what he did, other kids, even those not in the game, respected his position. Plus, I loved throwing my name up on a wall: it felt like splashing in the shallow end of the criminal pool" (Moore, 2011, p. 80).

Even though Wes was influenced by negative energy, he clearly had the choice and mindset to say no but chose otherwise. His actions and decisions significantly determine individual success. Therefore, intrinsic factors, such as personal decisions and mindset, are often more influential in shaping one's future than extrinsic factors.

References

Moore, W. (2011). The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. Spiegel & Grau.